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Mash tun at a distillery, south-west London
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Mash tun at a distillery, south-west London
Men stirring the contents of the mash tun (mashing machine) at the Octavius Smith and Co distillery, Thames Bank, south-west London. Date: 1842
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Media ID 23150836
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1842 Alcohol Bank Distillery Grain Manufacture Manufacturing Meal Octavius Process Processing Spirit Spirits Smith
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This photograph, hailing from the year 1842, transports us back in time to the heart of the industrial revolution in south-west London. The scene unfolds at the Octavius Smith and Co. distillery, situated along the banks of the Thames. In the foreground, we witness a pivotal moment in the distillation process: the stirring of the mash tun. The mash tun, a large, cylindrical vessel, is filled with a porridge-like mixture of grains and water. Two men, dressed in the typical attire of the era, work in unison to ensure an even consistency. Their faces are etched with focus and determination as they deftly maneuver their long wooden paddles, stirring the contents of the mash tun. The steam rising from the vessel adds an ethereal quality to the image, while the dimly lit environment highlights the labor-intensive nature of the process. The 1840s were a time of significant growth for the distilling industry in London. Octavius Smith and Co. was one of many distilleries that contributed to the burgeoning market for spirits. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the daily workings of a Victorian-era distillery, providing a fascinating insight into the early days of industrial manufacturing and the people behind the production of our favorite alcoholic beverages.
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